Pick up know-how for tackling diseases, pests and weeds.
Farm bill, farm marketing, agribusiness webinars, & farm policy.
Find tactics for healthy livestock and sound forages.
Scheduling and methods of irrigation.
Explore our Extension locations around the state.
Commercial row crop production in Arkansas.
Agriculture weed management resources.
Use virtual and real tools to improve critical calculations for farms and ranches.
Learn to ID forages and more.
Explore our research locations around the state.
Get the latest research results from our county agents.
Our programs include aquaculture, diagnostics, and energy conservation.
Keep our food, fiber and fuel supplies safe from disaster.
Private, Commercial & Non-commercial training and education.
Specialty crops including turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
Find educational resources and get youth engaged in agriculture.
Gaining garden smarts and sharing skills.
Creating beauty in and around the home.
Maintenance calendar, and best practices.
Coaxing the best produce from asparagus to zucchini.
What’s wrong with my plants? The clinic can help.
Featured trees, vines, shrubs and flowers.
Ask our experts plant, animal, or insect questions.
Enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor.
Herbs, native plants, & reference desk QA.
Growing together from youth to maturity.
Crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, hort glossary, and weed ID databases.
Get beekeeping, honey production, and class information.
Grow a pollinator-friendly garden.
Schedule these timely events on your gardening calendar.
Equipping individuals to lead organizations, communities, and regions.
Guiding communities and regions toward vibrant and sustainable futures.
Guiding entrepreneurs from concept to profit.
Position your business to compete for government contracts.
Find trends, opportunities and impacts.
Providing unbiased information to enable educated votes on critical issues.
Increase your knowledge of public issues & get involved.
Research-based connection to government and policy issues.
Support Arkansas local food initiatives.
Read about our efforts.
Preparing for and recovering from disasters.
Licensing for forestry and wildlife professionals.
Preserving water quality and quantity.
Cleaner air for healthier living.
Firewood & bioenergy resources.
Managing a complex forest ecosystem.
Read about nature across Arkansas and the U.S.
Learn to manage wildlife on your land.
Soil quality and its use here in Arkansas.
Learn to ID unwanted plant and animal visitors.
Timely updates from our specialists.
Eating right and staying healthy.
Ensuring safe meals.
Take charge of your well-being.
Cooking with Arkansas foods.
Making the most of your money.
Making sound choices for families and ourselves.
Nurturing our future.
Get tips for food, fitness, finance, and more!
Understanding aging and its effects.
Giving back to the community.
Managing safely when disaster strikes.
Listen to our latest episode!
TEXARKANA, Ark. –
Could asparagus be the spring superfood you should eat more of? It is a bright green veggie packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, as well as folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber. These nutrients help asparagus offer serious health benefits.
Asparagus is the highest tested food containing Glutathione, one of the most potent cancer fighters, according to the National Cancer Institute. It is also high in rutin, which helps strengthen blood vessels.
If you are watching your calories, asparagus can help you maintain your weight. With only 30 calories per one cup serving, and low in fat you can see how it can help with weight loss. It also contains soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps keeps you feeling full in between meals because your body digests fiber slower, so you are less likely to get hungry.The many colors of asparagus contribute to the antioxidants that help your body fight free radicals, but you cannot overcook the asparagus. Overcooking not only gives you a mushy or watery product, it can remove some nutritional benefits by letting vitamins leech out into the water.
Asparagus, along with other green, leafy vegetables, is filled with vitamin K. This vitamin helps your blood coagulate, meaning it helps your body stop bleeding after a cut, and vitamin K helps your body absorb calcium so it’s actually good for bone health.
What do you look for when selecting asparagus? You want strong spears that have closed, compact, tight heads. Test freshness by making sure it snaps when bent. Prep your asparagus, by trimming the bottom ends first, and then wash the spears thoroughly before cooking them.
It should be cooked the same day it is purchased due to its delicate nature. If it must be kept longer, it should be kept cold and covered in the refrigerator and used within 2 to 3 days for best quality. To main freshness, wrap a moist paper towel around the stem ends, or stand upright in two inches of cold water.
It can be cooked many ways including grilled, roasted, cooked in microwave or on top of the stove. If cooking on top of the stove, place trimmed and washed asparagus, standing on stem, in a saucepan with one-half inch of water. Boil, cooking uncovered for the first three minutes, then cover and cook to the crisp tender stage. Remove with tongs. Toss with olive oil and add a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the delicate flavor without adding calories or fat.
For more information, contact the Miller County Extension Office, 870-779-3609 or visit us in room 215 at the Miller County Courthouse. We're online at chadley@uada.edu, on Facebook at UAEXMillerCountyFCS/CarlaHaleyHadley, on Twitter @MillerCountyFCS or on the web at uaex.uada.edu/Miller.
Oven roasted asparagus is quick and easy to prepare. Pair it with a lean meat for dinner, or a poached egg for breakfast.
Oven Roasted Asparagus
1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preheat oven to 425. Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle with lemon juice just before serving.
By Carla Haley-Hadley County Extension Agent - FCSThe Cooperative Extension ServiceU of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Carla Haley-Hadley County Extension Agent - FCSU of A Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension Service400 Laurel Street, Suite 215 Texarkana AR 71854 (870) 779-3609 chadley@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.